Santa Teresa | 🥇Traditional Washed Processes
Santa Teresa is owned by Roger Ureña Hidalgo, who comes from a long tradition of coffee growers in the Zona de los Santos. Born in 1963, Roger began helping his father on the family’s dairy and coffee farm as a child, while completing his secondary education. At 15, he began planting his own coffee, starting with homemade seedbeds. In 1987, he traveled to the United States to save money with the goal of investing back home. Upon returning, he expanded his coffee plantations and eight years ago founded the micromill Santa Teresa 2000.
The Santa Teresa farm, acquired 11 years ago, is where the mill is located. It features a wide range of varieties: Geisha, Rume Sudan, Pacamara, Villalobos, Typica, San Roque (SL-28), Caciopea, Bourbon, and existing Catuaí. The elevation ranges from 1900 to 2050 meters above sea level, with other farms extending down to 1600 masl. Roger’s son, Alex Ureña, helps manage both the farm and the mill.
The operation participates in Costa Rica’s Blue Flag environmental program and has been pursuing carbon neutrality for four years. Coffee is harvested with the help of returning Panamanian families, while Nicaraguan and Costa Rican workers support the farm year-round, providing employment for many families.
This year marks a major milestone: first place in the washed category at the Cup of Excellence. After seven years of placing in the Top 10, this win brings great pride and joy, viewed as both a reward and a challenge to continue improving. The family looks forward to sharing this lovingly cultivated coffee with customers around the world.
